29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: October 18, 2009

First Reading (Isaiah 53: 10-11)
A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah.
It was the will of the Lord to crush him with grief. When he makes himself an offering for sin, he will have a long life and see his descendants. Through him the will of the Lord is done. For the anguish he suffered, he will see the light and obtain perfect knowledge. My just servant will justify the multitude; he will bear and take away their guilt.

Second Reading (Hebrews 4: 14-16)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Hebrews.
Brothers and sisters: Since we have a great High Priest, Jesus, the Son of God, who has entered heaven, let us, then, hold fast to the faith we profess. Our high priest is not indifferent to our weaknesses, for he was tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. Let us, then, with confidence approach God, the giver of grace; we will obtain mercy and through his favor, help in due time.

Gospel (Mark 10: 35-45)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and created a proposal, "Master, we want to you to grant what we are going to ask of you." Jesus replied, "What do you want me to do for you?" They answered, "Grant us to sit one at your right and one at your left when you come in your glory." However, Jesus stated to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink or be baptized in the way I am baptized?" They answered, "We can." Jesus told them, "The cup that I drink you all drink, and you will be baptized in the way I am baptized. But to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to grant. It has been prepared for others." On hearing this, the other ten disciples were angry about the unfairness with James and John. Therefore, Jesus summoned the Twelve to him and explained, "As you know, the so-called rulers of the nations act as tyrants and their great ones oppress them. But it shall not be so among you; whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be the first among you shall make himself slave of all. Think of the Son of Man who has not come to be served but to serve and to give his life to redeem many."